Kevin P.Durkin, Clifford Law Offices' Partner, Becomes CBA President

Kevin P. Durkin, partner at Clifford Law Offices, was sworn in as the 130^th President of the Chicago Bar Association (CBA), at a lunch Thursday, June 22. President Michael B. Hyman handed over the gavel at the Grand Ballroom of the Standard Club, 320 S. Plymouth Ct., Chicago.

Durkin has been a partner at the nationally renown personal injury firm for 20 years. He has had a long relationship with the CBA, having served in numerous positions and on many committees including Chair of the Judicial Evaluation Committee and its Board of Managers. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Chicago Bar Foundation.

Durkin is considered one of the city’s top trial attorneys, having received a number of record verdicts and settlements, particularly in the area of transportation litigation. He received a $38.3 million verdict in 2004, the largest motor vehicle crash verdict in the country, on behalf of a suburban family. He also tried the case of Rachel Barton, internationally acclaimed violinist, with his partner, Robert A. Clifford, which resulted in a $30 million verdict against Metra.

He has been a lead counsel in several commercial aviation disasters around the country and is working on the case of Bob Collins, the city’s most popular disc jockey on WGN, who was killed in a small plane crash.

"I am humbled to be taking the reins of this fine organization and I will work very hard to continue the programs of Mike Hyman and others as well as promote an important agenda that includes mentoring, increased pro bono work and continuing legal education programs," Durkin said. "I also am looking forward to Chicago hosting the World Bar Conference in September, which is a mark of excellence and recognition for the Chicago bar."

Durkin, 50, lives in Orland Park with his wife and three children.